Coil Spring Removal

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Nov 14, 2004 | 07:56 PM

hayman

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,414

Likes: 1

From: NC

Coil Spring Removal

Just removed my Coil springs tonight on my 76 project. Not sure if this has been brought up in the past but Auto Zone has a tool lender program. For $50 I was able to rent a brand new coil spring compressor for as long as I want or need. I basically bought it and if I decide that I no longer need it I can bring it back and get my $50 back.

Nice deal, made the job rather easy.

Bill

Nov 14, 2004 | 08:12 PM

MYBAD79

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 5,269

Likes: 54

From: Orlando Florida

St. Jude Donor '05

AutoZone, especially the one here on Colonial (thanks guys) is great when it comes to tools.

Nov 15, 2004 | 06:47 AM

ToddHunt1973

Intermediate

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 47

Likes: 0

From: Beaufort South Carolina

LOL wait till you go to put the spring back in with that tool. I have the same exact one from Auto Zone and well I didnt use it to take them out but boy did I have a heck of a time pulling the tool out when I put them back in.

Nov 15, 2004 | 07:49 AM

mrvette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 65,492

Likes: 230

From: Orange Park Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToddHunt1973

YES, getting those tools out can be a PIA, that's why I usually grind some steel off them to ease it slipping out....also use of one of those shop magnets on a wand is a good aid, along with a LARGE screwdriver/pry bar....PIA....

GENE

Nov 15, 2004 | 09:15 AM

73-Vette-454

Cruising

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 14

Likes: 0

The craziest thing a car owner can do is mess with springs on any car. If you do not have the know how and the proper tools and training I would suggest you take it to a pro. The job is dirt cheap to get done and much safer.

Nov 15, 2004 | 09:50 AM

mandm1200

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 2,672

Likes: 1

From: New Cumberland PA

I have not tackled the front of my car yet. I was at harbor Freight a couple of months ago and they had the coil spring compressor on sale for about $13. My initial plan when doing this job was to rent it at Autozone but then I figured the cost and time to pick up/ take back and decided that it was just as cheap to buy it. I would seriously doubt that these are as good as the $50 compressor for Autozone but it looks like it should get the job done.

Nov 16, 2004 | 07:29 AM

ewalker302

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 223

Likes: 0

From: South MS

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToddHunt1973

, I did the same job with the AZ tool. It's a pain, but will come out with enough fiddling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73-Vette-454

If you don't want to learn how to do anything then don't try.
This was my first exp with changing coil springs, and it wasn't easy, but it's dead simple, and safe if you use a little common sense.

Nov 16, 2004 | 09:13 AM

page62

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 7,456

Likes: 2

From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas

There's an easier tool you can make to do coil springs on a Vette. Get some large threaded rod -- 5/8" or 3/4", some large washers, and a flange (a base for threaded pipe, used to make railings, will do nicely). Drop the rod, with a nut and washer (or 2 or 3) on one end through the top shock absorber hole. With the spring in place, run the rod through the other a-arm hole. Use the flange, washers, and nut on this end. You can use a 2nd nut as a locknut if you want.

Start ratcheting down the top nut, and voila...it compresses the spring.

PS: For safety, always use a chain the secure the spring to the bottom a-arm